Local startup Track2Quit a semifinalist in idea contest

Published: Saturday, July 26, 2014 at 06:53 PM.

Track2Quit, a Burlington startup, is among 113 semifinalists, out of 6,932 applicants from 96 countries and all 50 states, in the $5 million 43North Global Business Idea Competition.

Track2Quit uses cutting-edge research and easy-to-use technology to fight addiction to cigarettes.

The semifinalists will compete for seed funding and relocation to Western New York. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced the selections July 15.

The competition is the world’s largest of its kind, and brings entrepreneurs and their ideas to Buffalo, N.Y., as part of Cuomo’s Buffalo Billion initiative, intended to drive new economic opportunities throughout Western New York. The grand prize is $1 million out of a total of $5 million in cash awards. Nearly 7,000 business ideas were received

“This competition is all about bringing the most innovative start-up ventures from around the globe to Buffalo, where they can tap into a world-class workforce and unparalleled environment to thrive for years to come,” Cuomo said. “I congratulate these semifinalists on reaching this stage of the competition, and wish them the best of luck in the next phase.”

A list of the 113 semifinalists is available at www.43North.org.

The semifinalists are from as far away as India, Switzerland, California and Washington state, and represent nearly every economic sector, including healthcare and biotechnology, information technology, software, mobile technology, green and clean technology, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, media and entertainment, sports and fitness, agri-business, business services, education, e-commerce and logistics.

Track2Quit, a Burlington startup, is among 113 semifinalists, out of 6,932 applicants from 96 countries and all 50 states, in the $5 million 43North Global Business Idea Competition.

Track2Quit uses cutting-edge research and easy-to-use technology to fight addiction to cigarettes.

The semifinalists will compete for seed funding and relocation to Western New York. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced the selections July 15.

The competition is the world’s largest of its kind, and brings entrepreneurs and their ideas to Buffalo, N.Y., as part of Cuomo’s Buffalo Billion initiative, intended to drive new economic opportunities throughout Western New York. The grand prize is $1 million out of a total of $5 million in cash awards. Nearly 7,000 business ideas were received

“This competition is all about bringing the most innovative start-up ventures from around the globe to Buffalo, where they can tap into a world-class workforce and unparalleled environment to thrive for years to come,” Cuomo said. “I congratulate these semifinalists on reaching this stage of the competition, and wish them the best of luck in the next phase.”

A list of the 113 semifinalists is available at www.43North.org.

The semifinalists are from as far away as India, Switzerland, California and Washington state, and represent nearly every economic sector, including healthcare and biotechnology, information technology, software, mobile technology, green and clean technology, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, media and entertainment, sports and fitness, agri-business, business services, education, e-commerce and logistics.

In September, they will present further details on their business idea to 43North’s judging panel via videoconference, followed by 10 minutes of questions. Then the 11 finalists moving on to round three will be announced. Each will be guaranteed a cash prize.

On Oct. 30, the finalists will pitch their plans in-person to a panel of star judges in Buffalo, and an awards ceremony will be held.